Pilot study starts to build picture of our nation’s teeth

A pilot study led by the University of Dundee School of Dentistry has started to build an in-depth picture of the nation’s teeth.

The Scottish Adult Oral Health Survey, analysed data collected by dentists during routine examinations of 1,867 patients between December 2015 and March 2016. Among its key findings was that nearly all adults aged 45 or over had at least one natural tooth, and two-thirds of those with at least one natural tooth were able to eat comfortably. It also found that adults living in the most deprived areas in Scotland were more likely to smoke cigarettes, and there is a higher level of gum disease recorded for those adults who smoke.

The data also suggested that older patients and those living in more deprived areas in Scotland were less likely to be able to eat comfortably, and had fewer natural teeth.

Susan Carson, clinical lecturer and honorary specialty registrar in dental public health at Dundee, was a key member of the survey steering group. She said: “The contribution of dentists from across Scotland was crucial, not only in terms of collecting data, but also in providing feedback on the acceptability of the system to their patients and staff.”

The survey, commissioned by the Scottish Dental Epidemiliogical Co-ordinating Committee, was a collaboration between Dundee, the University of Glasgow, NHS Information Services Division, NHS Education for Scotland and colleagues from across NHS boards.